Category: Ministry

Update: The Gathering Place

Posted on by Diane Smyth

 

“I needed some help and you gathered here with me”

The Gathering Place opened its doors in 1994 and offers services to people who are homeless or live in less than desirable housing conditions, are often unemployed or do not have adequate social supports.  The goal is to foster among Guests independence, self-respect and dignity. While those who come for programs and services now live in St. John’s, many have come from across Newfoundland and Labrador and some from outside the province.

Founded by the Presentation Sisters and the Sisters of Mercy in response to the needs of those coming to their doors seeking food, the Gathering Place now provides many programs and services including meals, foot care, a clothing supply boutique and hair care service.  Through collaboration with other agencies, guests of Gathering Place have access to housing experts, nurses and social workers.  Guests can avail of advocacy, literacy and computer programs.  Inner-city churches have assisted the venture since its beginning, and many other service organizations, church groups, foundations, corporations and individuals make financial and in-kind donations towards the ongoing operation.

The Gathering Place is housed in the former Mercy Convent School, located in the heart of St. John’s.  It is a registered charity governed by a Board of Directors with members from the Leadership Teams of the two congregations and from the community at large.  The programs and services are offered through a volunteer-driven operation led by a leadership team (an administrator and two Sister co-directors) and two employed staff members.  More than 150 volunteers ensure that programs and services are consistently available.

“We are on the move!!!”

In late 2010, the Board of Directors led a one-year strategic planning process to assess the quality of work being done at The Gathering Place and to determine whether the ministry was still needed. Advice was sought from guests, volunteers and representatives from many agencies interfacing with and related to concern for the Guests.  Throughout the consultation process, there was unfailing support for the work, a conviction The Gathering Place provides an essential service which must be maintained.  The Gathering Place was encouraged to do “more of the same” and to enhance programs where possible. It was strongly recommended that renovations to the facility would broaden the range of services provided and ensure continuation into the future.

To facilitate the renovations project begun in September 2012, programs were relocated to The Lantern, a spirituality centre owned by the Presentation Sisters near The Gathering Place.  Despite limitations of space there, many programs continued to be available to the Guests. A fundraising campaign to finance the complete renovation of the facility was initiated with a goal of $7,000,000 ($5M for renovations and $2M for endowment).  To date, the campaign has reached the $5.6M mark thanks to the donations and efforts of many corporate, community and church groups and individuals as well as municipal, provincial and federal governments.  Eco-friendly and energy-efficient guidelines were adhered to in developing an accessible, safe and versatile facility.

Programs and Services

The programs and services of The Gathering Place returned to the totally renovated and enlarged space in September 2014.  The re-designed facility better meets the needs of the Guests.  Increased capacity for noon meal and breakfast programs accommodates the ever-increasing numbers of people who are in need of food.  A laundry room has been added, and showering facilities will help those who experience restricted access to showers in their boarding houses.  There are quiet spaces where guests can read, listen to music and think.  An elevator makes all areas fully accessible.   A clothing supply program provides shoes, clothing and household items.   Volunteer seamstresses help guests with minor repairs and adjustments to clothing.  Computers and computer training are available to allow guests to access many government services available online only.  Education and training in health and wellness are offered.  A mailroom gives guests a fixed address where they can receive correspondence.  Programs such as art, jewellery-making and crafts not only develop creative talents but may be a source of a little pocket money for the artists and artisans.

Deep Gratitude

Deep gratitude is extended to the Presentation Sisters, the Sisters of Mercy, the Board of Directors, the Project Team, the Gift Team, the project manager, contractors, tradespersons and donors (government, corporate and personal) for making this venture possible.  Special thanks go to the Guests who have been patient and understanding with the ongoing renovations and to the staff and volunteers who have continued to serve guests throughout these two years of transition.

We ask God’s blessing as we look forward to moving back to new space and enhanced programs.    We pray that all involved will be energized and excited by the potential to make even greater things happen at The Gathering Place!

Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/gatheringstjohns .  Visit our website at www.gatheringstjohns.ca .  Email us at specialproject@gatheringstjohns.ca .  Or call us at 1-709-753-2351.

Report on work in the area of Human Trafficking

Posted on by Diane Smyth

On Thursday, October 17, 2013, Sister Emma Rooney (Presentation Congregation), Dolly Sweetapple (president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Coalition against Human Trafficking) and Margie Taylor rsm facilitated a session on human trafficking with the religious leaders of Newfoundland. 

 The committee  requested this workshop in an effort to gain more education around this issue.  Present for the meeting were 2 out of 3 of our Bishops, representatives from Mercy Sisters, Presentation Sisters, Jesuits, Redemptorists,  

The presentation focussed on the definition and causes of human trafficking. They then proceeded to identify the faces of trafficking on a global and local scene.  This was the session that impacted the group most as they spoke of women who are prostitutes stealing toilet paper from various stores in the city; people moving from other cities to come to Newfoundland and Labrador to establish web sites where women can check for clients; women making $ 300.00 an hour and saying they are into prostitution because it affords them a lifestyle they never could afford; clothes being made in the factories in Banglasdesh and shipped to stores in Newfoundland for sale; boys aged four burned to death because they could not do domestic work well; poor children with their organs removed so richer people can enjoy better health; university female students exploited as they are seen as “fresh flesh”; each night thelocal paper carries eight to ten ads of young Asian and Korena women who will be in Newfoundland offering companionship, massage, escort services and whatever you need to bring pleasure in your life.

 It was examples such as these which moved the group to a higher level of feeling and realization of the hideous behavior of those who engage in this modern day form of slavery.  And of course the next question to be asked was what do we do in the light of how the sex industry has boomed in Newfoundland as a result of the oil and gas money.  The group felt it would be wise to wait and see what emerges form the workshop Pope Francis has called on November 2,3 in Rome.  This may be a springboard for further responses such as a Pastoral Letter on Human Dignity. 

Organisers provided prayer cards to the group.  They may be utilized in churches and other institutions.  A new project on Sex Worker Outreach Project has been established in St Johns city.  The goal of the project is to assist women in their efforts to leave the sex trade industry.  The project is being funded for a year.  In time some financial contribution may be made from the churches for this project.    Margie has been asked to join this committee. While participants felt the issue is a tragic one, they were pleased with the education they received.  They are looking towards the conference in Rome to gain some insights into how we as a church can respond.

Messages to: Margie Taylor rsm

New Leadership Team Missioned

Posted on by Diane Smyth

On August 29, 2013 Sisters Elizabeth Davis, Sheila O’Dea, Diane Smyth and Elizabeth Marrie were surrounded by over sixty of their sisters in a prayer of blessing as they took up the call to leadership in their Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland.

The Missioning Service was held in the chapel of St. Bride’s Convent at Littledale, Waterford Bridge Road. These four women had been elected or re-elected to the ministry of leadership for the next four years during the 20th General Chapter held earlier in June. 

Readings were taken from Sacred Scripture, a text by Carmel Bourke “The Feminine Qualities of Leadership”, a paragraph from their Constitutions on “The Nature of the Institute”. There was also a reading of the interim statement from the Chapter.

The sisters warmly greeted Elizabeth, Sheila, Elizabeth and Diane in a sign of peace before moving to a pleasant social gathering and refreshments. The service was professionally video-taped so that sisters who could not be present might be able to see the event at another time.

May these four women be blessed by “A fire that claims us. A fire that sends us.”

 

Summer Program at Center for Ecology and Justice

Posted on by Diane Smyth
If you cut across the diameter of an apple you will see a five- pointed star at its centre. Many of the blossoms that turn into the vegetables and fruits that we eat are also shaped like five pointed stars. To the Mercy Centre for Ecology & Justice, the five pointed star is a symbol that we are all connected in a reciprocal relationship with nature and the universe. The Mercy Centre for Ecology & Justice’s mission is to promote the interconnectedness and interrelatedness of all creation and to live in a spirituality flowing out of the sacredness of all creation.
 
From its beginnings in 2003, the Mercy Centre quickly identified a need to connect low-income families in the St. John’s area with fresh, healthy locally grown produce. Organizers also saw the opportunity to engage youth in growing food. The result has been a six year community gardening initiative that is still thriving today. Mercy Centre organizers see physical connection with the land as a practical expression of their mission.
 
“The first purpose was to engage youth in organic gardening so that they could learn the skills of gardening; skills that were traditionally known to their elders but were being lost”, reflects Sister Mary Tee, coordinator of the Mercy Centre for Ecology & Justice. “The second purpose then was to engage youth so that they could experience what it means to be a contributing member of the larger community and help feed those in need. The third purpose was to offer a healthy respect and appreciation for the land so that youth could see themselves as part of all creation and all creation as part of them; and then with such awareness of the mysteries and miracle of life in a tiny seed, a greater wisdom and consciousness could be found.”
 
Over the years thousands of pounds of fresh food have been donated to food banks and meal programs by the Mercy Centre’s gardeners. This was made possible by the generous support of several farmers in the area who shared their acreage and contributed their expertise.  From 2003 – 2009, prior to the Mercy Centre establishing its current home on Mount Scio Road, garden land was donated by farmers Colin Lester, Hector Williams, Robert Walsh, and the Searl Family.
 
Starting in 2006 the Mercy Centre began partnering with the Association for New Canadians (ANC) to provide access to land to participants in the Association’s language training program, many of whom were new residents to Canada who brought with them a wealth of knowledge on food production. That relationship continues today and ANC participants often visit to tend their plants, harvest fresh food for their families, and participate in events like presentations and workshops on food security and food skills given by the Food Security Network(FSN). In 2012 a new initiative was started called Growing Health, a partnership with Nature NL to connect consumers of mental health services with gardening at the Mercy Centre, based on the belief that working in and with nature does wonders for the mind, body, and soul. Through the project dozens of new visitors have experienced what the Mercy Centre has to offer.  A new greenhouse and composting toilet were added in 2012.
 

The Mercy Centre for Ecology & Justice offers other impactful programs beyond the garden, including public education on the New Universe Story, a three-week nature-based summer camp for children, an annual fair trade Ten Thousand Villages Sale, and a youth choir that addresses social justice issues called Music and Song to Right the Wrongs.

To support all of that amazing activity, the Mercy Centre for Ecology and Justice formed its first Board of Directors in 2012.

Community Garden (article courtesy of the Food Sharing Network)

Teddies for Tragedies

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Newfoundland and Labrador Correctional Centre for Women: Teddies for Tragedies to Peru

 

Women at the Newfoundland and Labrador Correctional Centre are playing a role in making life a little brighter for children as far away as Peru by providing teddy bears to those who have been affected by natural disasters, famine and other tragedies. The women have been busy creating small, knitted teddy bears under the supervision of staff and the assistance of Sister Alicia Linehan of the Sisters of Mercy.

Some of the bears have made their way to Peru through the Sisters of Mercy who live and minister there. Participants in the program have received photos and words of thanks from the children who have benefitted from their creativity. The women in the program are pleased to have the opportunity to share the results of their handwork with children who have been affected by tragedy.
Since 1985, the Teddies for Tragedies project has led to hundreds of thousands of teddy bears being knitted around the world and given to charities and volunteers to distribute to children.  More information on the Teddies for Tragedies program can be found by visiting www.teddiesfortragedies.org.uk.
The Newfoundland & Labrador Correctional Center for Women (NLCCW) is located in Clarenville, a town 140 km west of St. John’s. The Center was opened in 1982 and is the only facility for female prisoners in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.  All provincially sentenced females, remands, federal inmates who do not pose a security risk as well as federal inmates awaiting transfer to Nova Institution in Truro NS are admitted to Newfoundland & Labrador Correctional Centre for Women.

 

Big Plans for Future of The Gathering Place

Posted on by Diane Smyth

News Release

For Immediate Release – June 11, 2013    Expansion of Programs and Services at the Gathering Place
St. John’s, NL – Today co-chairs of the Board of The Gathering Place and a group of dedicated volunteers introduced a special project to enhance and expand much-needed programs and services to help ever increasing numbers of people with complex physical, mental or social difficulties. Intended to be ready late in 2013, the Gathering Place at 172 Military Road will serve more people with improved meal service, health, social and learning programs, in spaces that are accessible and safer.
Originally established in 1994 by the Sisters of Mercy and the Presentation Sisters in response to the needs of those seeking food, The Gathering Place receives widespread support within the community.  Many service organizations, church groups, foundations, corporations and individuals make financial and in kind donations towards the operation of Gathering Place
The Gathering Place is a registered charity and is managed by a Board of Directors with members from the founding organizations and members from the community at large. The programs and services are offered through a volunteer-driven operation of more than 150 people committed to ensuring that programs and services are available on a consistent basis.
In recent years, programs and services have been added to address the needs of guests. These include foot care, a clothing supply boutique and hair care service.  In addition, through collaboration with other agencies, guests of Gathering Place have access to housing experts, nurses and social workers who help address complex needs.  Guests may avail of other services to include advocacy, literacy and computer programs.
Through the guidance provided by a consultation process, the Board has made plans to enhance and expand programs and services. The Gathering Place of the future will better meet the needs of people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless, promote equality and provide nourishment for those seeking respite from isolation and loneliness. Plans for broadening the programs and services include:
·         Increasing space for noon meal and breakfast programs
·         Providing an identification clinic for Guests (many people are transient and don’t have adequate identification and need to have a place to secure their documents)
·         Establishing a message centre or post office boxes
·         Making the facility accessible to those with disabilities
·         Adding laundry service areas
·         Facilitating a home-start kit program
·         Designating specific spaces for women and seniors
·         Allocating adequate space for creative pursuits
·         Providing facilities for showering
·         Providing education and training in health and wellness, literacy, computer skills and social development
Capital Campaign Inquiries:
Email:
Telephone:
(709) 747-0868  (709) 747-0868 FREE  
Mail:
The Gathering Place
172 Military Road
PO Box 1761
St. John’s, NL    A1C 5P5
 
Those wishing to make online donations to The Gathering Place Inc. (BN: 140263005RR0001) can visit www.CanadaHelps.org. Credit card donations can also be accepted by emailing: gatheringplace@nf.aibn.com

See video: http://vimeopro.com/user8266455/gathering-place-internal-review  

Care for Those in Need

Posted on by Diane Smyth

 

Dec. 22, 2012  Reaching Out
 
Sr. Loretta Walsh, RSM, was asked by The United Way of NL to participate in their “Stuff the Sock” Campaign on behalf of the needy in our Province.   Each organization was given the opportunity to name the organization of it choice to which it wanted their stockings forwarded. As it was Sr. Loretta’s third year supporting a Christmas project on behalf of Street Reach (a not-for-profit organization which serves the homeless in the city of St. John’s, NL) Sr. Loretta requested that her stockings be forwarded to Street Reach. As Street Reach has a clientele of 190 (120 male and 70 female) Sr. Loretta asked if the United Way would match the number of Stockings she would stuff to ensure that each client could receive a Christmas stocking at their Special Dinner. The United Way very generously consented.
 
With the help of an number of organizations: Pastoral Staff, Basilica Choir Members, St. Bride’s Convent Community and other generous donors, Sr. Loretta and the Pastoral Staff stuffed 55 Christmas stockings which included the following items: hats, scarves, mittens, socks, hygiene goods, sweets, and a $5.00 gift certificate to Tim Horton’s.
 
In addition to the filled stockings, a request went out for gently used winter coats and boots. Twelve bags, full of coats, were forwarded to the centre. The response was so generous that the Family Life was able to help with a project for Carew Lodge and the Women’s Centre, two other shelters in St. John’s.
 
No doubt the Family Life Bureau was able to bring a smile to the faces of the most vulnerable individuals in our city as well as warm their heads, necks, hand, feet ,and bodies.
 
Submitted by: Sr. Loretta Walsh, RSM
Director, Family Life Bureau, St. John’s, NL

Sale of Work

Posted on by Diane Smyth

After months of preparation and labour the talent and creativity of a large number of Mercy and Presentation Sisters and Associates went public.  At 2:00 p.m. the doors of the Lantern (the Presentation Centre for Spirituality) openned to a large waiting crowd.  The hall was flush with paintings and photography, greeting cards, jewellry, Christmas decorations, knitted, needle-worked and crocheted goods, baked goods, other hand-crafted items, and the ever popular "Nuns" Fudge.  Crowds explored the goods at each table and in a short time the baked-goods table was bare.  Other tables met the same fate – a good thing for the beneficiaries of this sale, the missions of both Congregations.  None of the Mall would have done such a brisk business as this event today!  Congratulations to the organizers of this event!  A huge success.  Thanks to all who shared their time, talent and resources.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Good Cup of Tea at St. Joseph’s Convent

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Nine women who live in the neighbourhood of the convent or who work with Sisters of Mercy in the nearby L.A. Miller Centreaccepted the invitation to learn more about Catherine McAuley and to have a Good Cup of Tea.  We began with a prayer followed by the viewing of Circle of Mercy: The Life and Charism of Catherine McAuley.  After a brief discussion and response to the video we moved to the dining room where we were served a good cup of tea (and coffee) with warm tea-buns and a variety of jams.  As the group was leaving the house a few of them informed us that they were looking forward to Part II.  It was a lovely evening enjoyed by all.

Global Mercy Alive in the 21st Century

Posted on by Diane Smyth

The topic of the event was Global Mercy in the 21st Century.  For two days, September 21 and 22, over 80 men and women, Mercy Sisters, Associates, colleagues and friends met at the Corpus Chrsti Parish Hall to pray, listen, reflect and share.  For the first day Sr. Mary Reynolds madeCatherine McAuley known as “nourishment for our time.”  She revealed to us her heart, the heart of a mother, the heart of an advocate, the heart of a woman of the Gospel- a heart of love, justice, of mercy and compassion.  She highlighted the global presence of Mercy especially through the Mercy International Association.  Sr. Elizabeth Davis situated Mercy in Newfoundland and Peru in this larger context as she described who we are.

On the second day of our gathering Mary Purcell laid out the richness of Mercy International in description of MIA’s global initiatives and helped us further develop a vision of how we might further these initiatives from our position on the planet.

These two days stretched our thinking but most of all expanded our hearts and minds.  They helped us increase our consciousness of Mercy in the world in which we live and work and challenged us to open to what the works of Mercy call us to be and to do in this day and age.  They were two rich and enriching days.  We thank Mary Reynolds and Mary Purcell for their presence and for their presentations.

submitted by Diane Smyth